Stephen Walker: Warm tributes following death of former BBC Northern Ireland journalist and author
Tributes have been paid to award-winning journalist and author Stephen Walker who has died at the age of 61.
Mr Walker, who was born in England and brought up in Ballymena, was a BBC journalist for more than 3O years and a well-known face on television news to many people across Northern Ireland and beyond.
The former BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent reported on many of the biggest news stories over the years, including the Troubles, the peace process and Brexit.
He was also a lobby correspondent at Westminster and an investigative reporter with BBC Spotlight.
Mr Walker was also the author of several books, including biographies of two of Northern Ireland’s politics most well-known figures. He launched ‘David Trimble: Peacemaker’ in 2025 following his 2023 book ‘John Hume: The Persuader’ which was an Irish bestseller.
In March this year he helped curate a rich programme of outstanding writers from across the UK and Ireland for the inaugural Magheramorne Literary Festival, held outside Larne.
Announcing Mr Walker’s death on social media on Sunday, his close friend and BBC colleague Mark Carruthers, said: “So sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, but the Walker family – Katrin, Grace, Jack and Gabriel – have asked me to let people know that Stephen passed away at home this morning surrounded by people he loved and who loved him.
"He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and son, a fine journalist and author, and the very best of friends.
"We are all heartbroken, but grateful for his life so well and fully lived.”
Many of Mr Walker’s colleagues and political figures have shared fond memories and condolences on hearing news of his passing.
Members of his beloved Ballymena United Football Club also spoke of their “sadness”.
"Known as a prominent politicial journalist and critically acclaimed author, Stephen was a fanatical Sky Blue at heart and a regular supporter of the team both home and away,” the club posted on its Facebook page.
"Stephen last season hosted our popular fan's forum event and was in regular contact with the club's Board of Directors as to how he could continue to volunteer his expertise and his learnings to assist and benefit the club, such was the measure of the man.
"Our collective thoughts are with the entire Walker family and his many friends at this sad time.”